Brian P. Driscoll in Baltimore: ENT Surgery and Thyroid Care Downtown

Brian P. Driscoll is an ear, nose, and throat surgeon practicing in downtown Baltimore who specializes in thyroid and parathyroid surgery alongside general otolaryngology, seeing both new and established patients for surgery, medical management, and surgical consultation.

What this practice actually is

Driscoll operates as a surgical ENT practice embedded in the downtown medical corridor, focusing on conditions requiring operative intervention rather than primary otolaryngologic care alone. His practice handles thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer, hyperthyroidism, parathyroid disorders, sinonasal surgery, and voice disorders; he also sees patients for routine ear infections, hearing loss, and nasal obstruction when they require surgical assessment. The practice accepts established patients and new referrals, operating on both an in-office consultation and surgical facility basis.

Services and how to access them

Initial consultations run as standard office visits: the appointment includes history, examination, and imaging review if relevant to your condition. Thyroid patients typically bring recent ultrasounds or imaging from their referring physician. Parathyroid cases usually require labs (serum calcium, parathyroid hormone) documented before or at the first visit. Voice disorder evaluations include laryngoscopy in the office. The practice works directly with insurance; verify coverage with your carrier before scheduling because thyroid and parathyroid surgery are typically covered under major medical plans, but out-of-pocket costs depend on your deductible, copay structure, and whether the facility used is in-network. Surgery scheduling and anesthesia consultation happen after the diagnostic visit if surgery is recommended. Specific pricing for office visits or surgical packages is not publicly listed; call to confirm current charges and financing options.

How Driscoll compares to other Baltimore ENT surgeons

Baltimore's otolaryngology landscape includes general ENT practices (focused on medical management and minor procedures in-office), academic ENT programs at the University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins, and other private surgical specialists. Driscoll's emphasis on thyroid and parathyroid surgery distinguishes him from general ENT practices that manage ear infections and hearing aids but do not perform thyroid cases regularly. Johns Hopkins ENT (part of a large academic system) offers similar surgical expertise but typically involves longer waits, academic teaching environments, and hospital-based infrastructure; Johns Hopkins suits patients with complex thyroid cancer or who need multidisciplinary oncology coordination. University of Maryland ENT functions similarly. For straightforward thyroid nodules requiring biopsy and possible surgery, or parathyroid hyperparathyroidism, Driscoll's focused practice often provides more direct scheduling and continuity with a single surgeon than academic referral centers. Patients needing only medical ENT care (allergy management, hearing aids, routine sinusitis) should see a general otolaryngist; Driscoll's practice is built for surgical cases.

Who this suits and who it does not

This practice is right for patients with thyroid nodules detected on imaging, diagnosed thyroid cancer, hyperthyroidism being considered for surgery, or primary hyperparathyroidism. It also serves ENT patients whose condition requires surgical planning or operative care. It is not the first stop for patients seeking a general ear, nose, and throat physician for recurrent ear infections, allergies, or primary hearing evaluation; those patients benefit from a general otolaryngology practice first. Patients needing thyroid management by endocrinology alone (without surgery under consideration) should see an endocrinologist. This practice does not emphasize cosmetic procedures.

What the first visit involves

Bring relevant imaging (thyroid ultrasound, CT, or MRI scans on disc or available electronically), recent lab work if available, and a list of current medications. The office visit includes a focused history on symptoms (difficulty swallowing, voice change, neck pain), risk factors, and prior thyroid or neck surgery. Driscoll performs a neck examination and, for thyroid patients, typically visualizes the larynx in the office using a flexible scope. He reviews imaging with you and discusses findings. If a thyroid nodule has not been biopsied, he may recommend fine-needle aspiration biopsy at the visit or shortly after. The appointment concludes with either reassurance and follow-up imaging instructions (for benign nodules) or discussion of surgical options and timing. Allow 45 minutes to 1 hour. Bring your insurance card.

Hours, location, and logistics

Driscoll's office is located downtown in the medical district near the University of Maryland Medical Center and Mercy Medical Center. Downtown parking is available on-street (metered, generally $1.50 to $2.00 per hour on weekdays) and in private garages (Mercy parking garage is nearby, rates around $4 for 2 hours, $8 daily; MedStar garages also serve the area). Office hours vary; confirm hours when you call to schedule because surgical days and consultation days may differ. Public transportation: the Red Line stops at several downtown stations within walking distance of the medical corridor. Call ahead to confirm the current address and hours, as physician practices sometimes relocate within the downtown medical district.

Driscoll fills a specific surgical gap in Baltimore ENT. Patients with thyroid nodules and those weighing thyroid or parathyroid surgery receive focused expertise and direct surgeon continuity without the delays common at large teaching hospitals.